Retail therapy is taking on a whole new meaning for three shopping centres in the Springfield, Durban North and Umhlanga areas, who have joined forces to help local communities facing food shortages during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Granada Square, Park Boulevard and Springfield Retail Centre, all 3 properties owned by the Emira Property Fund, and managed by Broll Properties, will be donating approximately R35 000 in food vouchers and parcels to needy charities, according to Emira Asset Manager, Sandra Kruger.

“These troubling times have had an enormous impact on thousands of people, many of whom are wondering where their next meal is going to come from. We contacted a host of organisations that were meeting some of the greatest needs in our local communities in the most effective ways,” she said.

Food Lover’s Market, based at Springfield Retail Centre, will be donating a voucher to Food Forward SA, a nationally based organisation that has been distributing large amounts of food throughout the Durban area as well as along both the North and South Coasts, commented Kruger.

She said that a second charity which will be supported was KZN Valley Dogs which had, up until recently, been assisting needy families to care for and feed their pets. “Their work has really touched my heart. When they realised that the families they were helping were completely destitute during this period, largely due to layoffs, they increased their efforts, and began assisting families in the Botha’s Hill and Inanda Valley area with food parcels. A donation in the form of a shopping voucher to Springfield Retail Centre’s Food Lovers’ Market and Park Boulevard’s Spar has been provided to this charity”.

Third on the shopping list from Granada Square is the Hope Disaster Relief Fund which has two mechanisms in place to assist the needy at this time. They put together care packages containing soap, toilet paper and related products, and have a food voucher system, which is sent to community members in need, via an SMS, which can be redeemed at a number of food retailers.

“We have a host of local communities who have supported our shopping centres for many years, and as a large property fund, it is our duty to bring to the table whatever we can, and in our own small way, ensure that families don’t go to bed hungry,” Kruger concluded.

Lastly, and more importantly, remember to follow all social distancing and sanitizing practices at your favourite local centre!